When you think about installing a security system in your home, what are you trying to protect? Your family? Your belongings? While those two are certainly at the top of many lists, there is another category that should be added—your pets.
While pets may not be the first thing that comes to mind, they certainly play an important part in our lives. According to Animal Medicines Australia, about 5.7 million Aussie households are home to pets, and 65% of pet owners consider their fur babies to be part of their family. So, it makes sense that pet owners looking into getting a security system would want to know how the system will work with a pet in the home.
Here’s the good news—given the number of high-tech advancements in the security world, companies can offer a variety of services that cater to the needs of pet owners. And we do the same here at One and Only Locksmiths.
1 – Motion Sensors
Today’s modern security companies offer specialised motion sensors that can differentiate between animals and humans. The sensors use infra-red heat technology to determine whether an animal or a person has passed in front of it.
Other motion sensors are set to ignore anything weighing less than 38kg, which means most household pets won’t be detected. This, in turn, reduces the number of false alarms sent to the security company.
2 – Fire and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Many security companies offer smoke and carbon monoxide detectors for the home. Having such detectors installed is not only important for you and your family, but they can also be lifesaving to pets who are home alone while you are at work or gone for an extended vacation.
3 – Door and Window Sensors
If you have an exceptionally large pet and are worried he or she could trigger motion sensors, consider placing sensors on your doors and windows. These will only be triggered if a burglar breaks a glass or picks your locks.
4 – Use a “Beware of Dog” Sign
These cheap little signs are surprisingly effective at keeping burglars at bay—even if you don’t own a pet.
Thieves are looking for a quick and easy mark. These signs are not only effective at keeping burglars out of your house, but thieves will also likely skip your neighbor’s homes to avoid your dog alerting others to the burglar’s presence.
5 – Give Pet Sitters Their Own Code
If you have a keyless entry system on your home, give hired pet sitters their own unique code so you can verify they are only entering your house at the agreed-upon times.
It should go without saying that you should only hire a pet sitter you implicitly trust who came with plenty of references you were able to check.
6 – Home Video Surveillance
Video cameras are a great way to provide you with peace of mind when you are away from your pets and allow you to monitor their behaviour from anywhere in the world via your phone, tablet, or laptop.
Some models also include microphones, allowing you to chat with your fur babies and keep them company. Another perk—most video systems these days are wireless, so you don’t have to worry about Fido or Fluffy chewing on electrical wires and causing a fire or injury.
7 – High-Tech Pet Doors
Pet doors have come a long way since the plastic flap versions of yesteryear. Many modern pet doors now include electronic locks that require a chip (usually embedded in your pet’s collar) to unlock.
Motion sensors can also be used near the pet door to alert you if something larger than your pet is trying to enter your home through the door.
Finally, it is a good idea to place pet doors in an exterior wall rather than a door of your home. Burglars have tools that can be stuck through the pet door to unlock the door of your home. If your pet door is installed on a wall, this becomes a non-issue.